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Acupuncture helps ailing albino alligator

By , Associated Press

Posted:
08/28/2013 02:10:06 PM MDT

Updated:
08/28/2013 02:10:12 PM MDT

Bino, the albino alligator, receives acupuncture treatment in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug 27, 2013. Veterinarians at the Sao Paulo aquarium have found a novel treatment for Bino, who suffers from hunchback and scoliosis: acupuncture. Once a week, several needles are inserted into Bino's back and the treatment is working. He's already able to twitch his tail again and move his back legs, which until recently he was unable to do. (AP Photo/Ana Pereira) (Ana Pereira/AP)

SAO PAOLO — Veterinarians at an aquarium in Brazil say weekly acupuncture treatments for Bino, the albino alligator, are helping cure his hunchback and scoliosis.

Using acupuncture on animals isn't new. But the sight of veterinarian Daniela Cervaletti oh-so-carefully inserting needles into an alligators back is novel.

Bino has suffered since birth from his ailments and more conventional treatments and medicines were tried. But nothing seemed to work.

So about a year ago, the veterinarians in Sao Paulo started weekly acupuncture treatments. They showed quick results, with Bino regaining use of his hind legs and tail.

The treatments will continue indefinitely as the bright-white alligator keeps improving, to the delight of schoolchildren who squeal upon seeing him during field trips.

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